The Boatman, Windsor

Located in a prime spot close to the castle and with a patio area running alongside the Thames, this claims to be Windsor’s only riverside pub and was certainly a popular spot on our recent Friday afternoon visit. That said, much of the patio was taken up with a large conservatory like structure which appeared to be reserved for diners, as was at least half of the outside seating area, with drinking only punters being directed off to squeeze around to the right of the conservatory. After having such a great location, it was rather disappointing to find a very bland interior which has presumably been freshly renovated with a distinct paint aroma still in the air. Flooring was some type of smooth dark wood strip, whilst grey was certainly the predominant, if not only, colour. The large windows at the front had a small strip of stained glass running along the top and in a nod to it’s location a solitary oar hung above the door. A floor plan of the nearby castle was on one wall and the bar counter had a copper clad top, but other than that, there’s really very little to say about it. All together it had a very unappealing ambiance, but to be fair, that was perhaps in part due to the fact that there was not a single punter in there, with everyone masking the most of the outdoor seating. The solitary beer on tap was Eton Boatman with the London Pride having run out and the third pump appearing unused. Ciders fared no better with the solitary Mortimer’s Orchard having also run out. Prices seemed very expensive, with two pints coming in at £12.70. Overall, unless you want to sit outside and enjoy the view, I can see absolutely no reason to visit this pub when there are far better options just a short stroll away.

This place certainly makes the most of its riverside setting with a huge terrace to the front and a stand alone glazed building which appeared to be set up exclusively for dining. At least half of the pub itself is geared for eating too with just the left hand end seemingly being for drinkers where two pumps offered a choice of London Pride or W&E Knight of the Garter. The W&E was a bit past its best unfortunately. Various riverine artifacts on the walls and ceilings such as model boats, ship's wheels and fishing nets, an end wall in the dining area has a map of Windsor Castle. The bold turquoise and orange colour scheme is a bit in your face but otherwise the pub is comfortable enough. As I was preparing to leave a woman entered and ordered a glass of red wine with a splash of coke! How utterly bizarre.

This pub is just perfect if you have dogs - plenty of space inside where you can eat a fabulous meal with a Pino or a Pint with the dog enjoying a treat and some water by your feet....the walks around the pub - Home Park and the Brocas in Eton are great to wear them out before lunch or dinner although we don't always eat but just have a coffee depending on the time. There's an all weather terrace although we like sitting at the tables right by the river. Especially like the atmosphere with all the twinkly lights at night and the reflections from the water. The food is wonderful (I've had the liver, their burger and the chips are to die for - my favourite) and it's a real find if you like sitting by the river as you can't anywhere else in Windsor.